Tackling the diagnosis of diabetes

Diabetes.

It can be a scary diagnosis.

For many, behaviors must change down to how you move your body and what you put into it.

But what’s perhaps even scarier is that an estimated 6 million people have diabetes and don’t even know it. Frequently, Type 2 diabetes, which is growing quickly in prevalence, develops in stages. In the early stages many people don’t notice the changes affecting their body in order to prevent the disease from taking hold.

Dr. Sherif Rizkalla recently spoke to a group of several dozen individuals as part of Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford’s Advances in Medicine lecture series. As an internal medicine physician, Dr. Rizkalla frequently treats patients’ diabetes and tries to help them navigate the complex maze of medications and lifestyle changes necessary to improve their health.

Dr. Rizkalla says that educating patients is the key to success. “You need to understand the disease process because on a day-to-day basis it is up to you, the patient, to manage diabetes yourself,” he said. “The doctor really functions as the coach.”

Some steps that individuals can take to treat or prevent diabetes is losing weight – even a 5-10% weight loss can be very effective – exercising and eating the proper diet for your individual case. For people newly diagnosed with diabetes, it’s often very effective to visit a diabetes educator for one-on-one information about the proper diet and weight loss program. Taking the medications as prescribed and monitoring blood sugars is very important to see what steps are appropriate for reaching their goals.

The bottom line, Dr. Rizkalla said, “it all comes down to self-management and personal ownership of the disease.”

For more information on diabetes or programs offered at Texas Health HEB, please visit www.diabetes.org or www.texashealth.org.

Training Exercises at Texas Health Sports Performance HEB

Melanoma and tanning

Summer is now officially here, but before you spend hours relaxing poolside or visit a tanning booth it is important to consider the latest research on melanoma.

In July 2009 the World Health Organization International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) announced that tanning beds using UV were “carcinogenic to humans”. Not surprisingly, the International Smart Tan Network attacked these findings and other related studies as biased and non-supportive.

A new study at the Minnesota Cancer Surveillance System, a population-based statewide cancer registry has found that tanning bed usage is associated with a 74%increased risk for melanoma. This is significant because this study looked at patients diagnosed with invasive cutaneous melanoma from July 2004 to December 2007; they completed a questionnaire and a phone interview. These 1,167 patients along with 1,101 healthy control patients participated in the study from December 2004 to March 2009. Approximately 63% of the patients and 51.1% of the healthy control participants reported using tanning beds. The results include:
• Increased risk was strongly correlated with frequency of use
• Highest risk was among those who had tanned for 10 or more years compared to those who had only tanned for one year
• Patients were more likely to have reported painful burns while tanning indoors (they thought they were protected from burns when using tanning beds)
• Risk was especially elevated among users of UBV-enhanced and primarily UVA-emitting devices.

There are no biases here - these are just the facts! These folks did or did not use tanning beds and did or did not get melanoma. Melanoma is increasing and according to Allan Halpern, MD chief of dermatology services at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, “There’s no question that the data have been mounting and we know that tanning beds are part of the problem.”

Ok, you may be thinking that you don’t use tanning beds and you never will. You are going to just get your nice tan from the sun - please read on. One of the established risk factors for melanoma is UV light. So tanning under the sun or in the tanning bed exposes you to UV light!

So many of us look at a tan as a “healthy glow”. Not so. A tan is actually a sign of damage to the skin. Wrinkles, drying, brown spots are just not attractive, but melanoma is deadly! You may live a lifetime and end up with those wrinkles etc, but unfortunately you may be one of the more than 60,000 people a year who are diagnosed with melanoma in the United States. Unfortunately, it can appear at any time, young or old.

Don’t get me wrong- I LOVE the sun. I’m a Southerner through and through, but there was a reason ladies wore bonnets and men wore hats. Visit the American Academy of Dermatology or the American Cancer Society and learn how to protect your children and yourself. If you are interested in taking part in a clinical trial on melanoma or skin cancer, click here.

For more information on the tanning bed study, click here.

Jenny Ellis, RN, MS, AOCN
Oncology Nurse Specialist
Texas Health HEB

Family learning time: Sibling class helps prepare for new baby’s arrival

Introducing your newest baby to your first born seems a little daunting.

How is my little guy going to react to his baby sister? Have we prepared him enough? Will he like her? Will he be worried that we are trying to replace him? Thoughts and insecurities race through my pregnant mind.

To help alleviate our concerns, we decided why not enroll him in the Sibling Class at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford? What better way to help prepare our boy for the arrival of our new baby than a sibling class at the hospital where we’ll deliver!

The teacher, Carol Speed, did a great job of educating the attendees – whose ages ranged from two-and-a-half (our little guy) to probably seven – on what to expect when their baby brother or sister arrives.

The mommies and daddies of the attendees were invited to stay so we all took a tour of the Siratt Women’s Center and then went back to the classroom for snacks and a short video (which was a big hit).

When the video mentioned the proper way to hold a newborn, Miss Carol passed out baby dolls to the soon-to-be big brothers and sisters. Dylan, my son, was not interested – he was too busy eating his snack. But when one of the girls in the class was asked to demonstrate how she will hold her family’s new baby, he decided to give it a shot – sort of...

Next came story time – Miss Carol invited the kiddos to read a book with her while sitting in a circle. I’ll never forget the look on my son Dylan’s face when she showed an illustration of what a baby growing inside a mommy looks like!

After a brief conversation about the new baby, it was time to practice diapering a baby doll …We missed that part, since Dylan was busy making his own diaper dirty.

Overall, we left with additional information on what to expect when Dylan’s baby sister arrives – plus a daddy-made Boo-Boo Bunny, educational materials and some goodies for the big brother.

Since he’s still a real little guy we won’t know for sure how he’ll react when the time comes, but after experiencing the class I think we have a good head start. Now, if we can just get baby sister to come out to meet us…

Mandy Forbus
Senior Marketing Specialist
Texas Health HEB

Sports performance training can make all the difference for young athletes

A full athletic scholarship is every high school athlete’s dream. Leading the team in sacks is the culmination of hard work and excellent training.

As a mother, Tracie Martin knows firsthand the impact that a sports conditioning specialist can have on improving a teenage athlete’s game. Her sons trained with Mike Moore, B.S., C.S.C.S., a fitness specialist who focuses on improving athletes’ performances.

Martin’s oldest son, Michael, spent more than three years working on speed, agility and overall performance. As a result, he earned a full scholarship to Fordham University. In his freshman year he played linebacker on the football team and lead the team in sacks. Her youngest son, William, jumped from freshman to varsity football after improving his techniques through conditioning. (Michael Martin and Moore are featured in the photograph to the right.)

“It is amazing the differences I’ve seen in our sons’ performances after training with Mike,” said Tracie Martin. “Because they’ve learned how to care properly for their bodies and stretch both boys have avoided major injuries. The training helps you move without thinking and approach life and sports with a solid game plan and a focus on preparation.”

As sports continue to become more and more competitive, simply tweaking how they run or jump makes a big difference for many teenagers like the Martin boys. Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford’s new 13,000-square-foot sports performance facility is designed for the athlete who wants to compete safely at higher level. The program also provides individual instruction for athletes of all ages.

“Many people think athletes are born with perfect form and skills, and if natural ability isn’t there, then nothing can be done about it,” said Moore, developer of the Texas Health Sports Performance HEB program. “But really, there are many things athletes and young adults can do to improve their performance. Teens and their parents are often shocked at how much of a difference a speed or jumping training program can make in their game.”

Programs offered at Texas Health Sports Performance HEB include:

• One-on-One Sports Performance: Trainers meet individually with athletes to develop personalized programs to correct improper techniques and improve performance.
• Game Speed Recovery Program: Designed for individuals recovering from a sports injury, the staff works with the participant’s physician and physical therapy team to develop a program to get athletes back to “game speed.”
• Performance Training: Coached in a group environment and applicable to a variety of sports, performance training develops first step quickness, lateral agility, proper running mechanics and overall speed.
• Run Right: This program teaches children ages 7 to 12 years old proper running form and technique while building self-confidence in a fun environment.
• Youth Select Team Training: Sports performance training session for the entire team designed around the specific sport.
• Speed/Jump Clinic: Through step-by-step instructions, athletes gain a valuable edge and develop a personal mindset on how to perform better vertical leaps or increase their speed in an educational and hands-on environment.

Michael Martin is taking the summer after his freshman year of college to work with Moore and the Texas Health Sports Performance HEB program.

The Texas Health Sports Performance HEB facility features a turf practice area, which allows participants to practice in true game situations. All classes and training sessions are held at 251 Westpark Way, Suite 212, in Euless. The program is located adjacent to the Texas Health HEB campus and offers convenient parking and highway access.

For more information, call 817-267-9191 or visit www.TexasHealth.org/SportsPerformanceHEB.

Cancer program accredited by American College of Surgeons

Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford employees and physicians on the medical staff who work on the cancer program are constantly striving to provide high quality care to patients.

The Texas Health HEB cancer program recently earned an accreditation with commendation from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. Texas Health HEB is the only hospital in Northeast Tarrant County with the three-year accreditation.

The Commission on Cancer established the accreditation standards to help patients and their families find quality facilities close to home, comprehensive care with the latest technology, a multidisciplinary team approach to coordinate care, a cancer registry, and access to education, support and information for oncology patients.

“The employees and physicians on the medical staff at Texas Health HEB have worked tirelessly to achieve this designation,” said Deborah Paganelli, FACHE, hospital president. “I would like to applaud each of our employees who provide high-quality care to our oncology patients each day.”

Texas Health HEB operates a 13-bed inpatient oncology care unit. The unit also provides outpatient services to adults of all ages. Nearly all of the eligible nurses on the oncology care unit have achieved national certification in cancer care. The unit recently was recognized by ADVANCE for Nurses as the 2010 Best Nursing Team for its dedication to patient care. (The unit recently was presented a plaque celebrating the award, pictured at right.)


The hospital also facilitates a number of support groups and programs along with the American Cancer Society. On June 6, Texas Health HEB welcomed individuals for an afternoon program celebrating cancer survivors from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Edwards Cancer Center. (Photo at right is of hospital employees volunteering at the event.)

Twice a year, Texas Health HEB sponsors the Bluebonnet Retreat, the only adult cancer camp in North Texas.

Other Texas Health hospitals with the designation are Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, and Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano. Only 16 hospitals in North Texas have the designation, according to the Commission on Cancer.

For more information, visit www.TexasHealth.org/HEBcancer.

Texas Health HEB food drive donations stay in northeast Tarrant County

Sometimes, when new clients come to the food pantry at the Community Enrichment Center (CEC) for the first time, they’re in a state of shock. Many are fleeing from an abusive partner or struggling to get on their feet after being homeless. Some have just lost a job. Often, clients are disabled or battling a medical condition that prevents them from working.

Every Thursday night, I am privileged to be a part of an organization like the CEC that helps people get back on their feet. Each year, the food pantry serves more than 10,000 individuals, providing 800,000 pounds of food to residents in northeast Tarrant County. Last year, we saw more than a 15 percent increase in people coming for assistance.

The summer months are the hardest. Sometimes, the shelves in the warehouse start looking awfully lean. Children are on their summer break, so kids aren’t getting free or reduced breakfast and lunches through their schools. Unlike the winter holiday season, when we’re often reminded to give back to those in need, it’s easy to get preoccupied with vacation plans and camps during the summer months.

And, the CEC staff hand out more than food. Sometimes it’s as simple as a smile and a hug and a word of encouragement. Often, families are referred to other CEC programs, which help provide the skills participants need to land a better paying job and become financially stable. Programs include:
• Literacy for Life classes, where they improve their reading and writing skills and prepare for the GED exam
• Job Club, where participants learn interview skills, search for open positions and create a resume

Here’s where you come in!

Texas Health Resources is holding its annual Food Drive June 7-18, and Texas Health HEB’s efforts all support the CEC food pantry. Employees can give online through www.texashealth.org/texashealthgives. Of course another option is to bring in food items which all go directly back to help our neighbors.

This year, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford’s Food Drive chair, Jana McKinney, has organized two new fundraising events:
• Doctor Jail & Bail, June 9 from noon to 2 pm in the Private Dining Room
• Texas Health HEB Talent Show, June 18, noon to 2 pm in West I & II
Stay tuned for more details! If you want to show off your hidden talents at the talent show, contact Jana McKinney for more info at 817-848-4086.

“I got a job yesterday! This will be my last time coming to get food!” Those are some of my favorite words to hear from a client. Many are so thankful they return as volunteers to give back to the organization that helped them get a fresh start.

Lisa Starnes, MBA, APR
Business Development Specialist
Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford

Leading with a smile

Tammy Quattrochi, RN, OCN, takes each patient’s case to heart.

As nursing supervisor on the Oncology Care Unit at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford she often sees individuals in heartbreaking situations yet she approaches each with a smile.

Quattrochi was recently recognized as one of this year’s Great 100 Nurses. The Texas Nurses Association and the Dallas/Fort Worth Nurse Executives annually sponsor the “Great 100 Nurses,” which honors registered nurses in the D/FW area who exemplify excellence in the art and science of nursing. Nurses are nominated by their peers, and may only be named to the list once in their career.

She also was recognized in December with the oncology nurse of the year award by the Fort Worth Chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society. She used the prize money from that award to surprise patients on the 13-bed Oncology Care Unit with Christmas presents – complete with a Mrs. Claus outfit and elf helper.

In all, Texas Health nurses won 35 of the 100 spots on the coveted list, accounting for more than one-third of the top nurses in the Metroplex — more than any other hospital or health system in the area.

“Tammy delivers care not only from the head, but from her heart,” her nominator said. “She is a strong patient advocate who stands up for the patient and strives for only the best care for them.”

Quattrochi originally got into nursing because of her love for helping others. “I thought what better way to help people than being a nurse,” she said. “I wanted to do something that would be challenging and rewarding.”
Quattrochi said that she is “extremely grateful and truly honored to be recognized by my peers” and that she can’t even begin to express what it means to her.

It isn’t just her compassion for the patients and their families that makes a difference though. “She lives each day to the fullest, showing an optimistic outlook,” her nominator said. “She is able to make a positive experience out of a bad thing. Her integrity plays a major part in role modeling and she is an active volunteer in many activities throughout the year.”

Quattrochi often attends the annual Bluebonnet Retreat for adult cancer patients, participates in community fundraisers like Relay for Life and assists with community screenings. Also, she currently is participating in the University of Texas at Arlington’s RN to BSN program.

Keeping Child Passengers Safe

My passion is helping families keep their infants and children safe while traveling in the car. Probably the most risky thing we do every day is driving our cars, and even though we do not plan for a car crash, this happens to people just like you every day-often with children in the car. Keeping yourself and your child passengers safe should be something you plan for and implement on a daily basis.

On September 1, 2009, a new law in Texas took effect stating:
“A person commits an offense if the person operating a passenger vehicle, transports a child who is younger than eight years of age, unless the child is taller than four feet, nine inches, and does not keep the child secured during the operation of the vehicle in a child passenger safety seat system according to the instructions of the manufacturer of the safety seat system.”

Since this change in September of 2009, law enforcement officials have only enforced this law with verbal or written warnings. However, beginning on June 1, 2010, officers may arrest or issue a citation/notice to appear in court to a person committing this offense. A fine of not more than $25.00 can be assessed for the first offense and no more than $250.00 for the second or subsequent offenses. Fines collected from this offense will be used to buy booster seats for children of low-income families thus the focus will be placed on education instead of punishment.

This law aims to strengthen current child passenger safety protections. Each year, nearly 1,600 children die in motor vehicle crashes. Unrestrained children are more likely to be severely injured or die in car crashes than those who are restrained. I am glad our laws are improving but really hope that parents will want to do the best thing for their children to improve their safety, regardless of the law and fines.

Children should use a car safety seat with a harness for as long as possible, to the upper height or weight limits of the seat. Most car safety seats fit children up to 40 pounds, and some fit children up to 65 to 80 pounds. Once a child graduates from a car safety seat with a harness at a minimum of 40 pounds, a booster seat may be used. Using a booster seat in the rear seat of the vehicle reduces a child’s risk of injury by almost 60%!

Tips for using a booster seat include:
1. ALWAYS read and follow the instructions for the vehicle and the booster seat.
2. A lap-shoulder belt MUST be used with a booster seat. NEVER use only a lap belt with a booster seat.
3. Always use the booster in the back seat of the vehicle and if possible, the center of the back seat is safest.
4. Teach your child to buckle up and to pull up on the shoulder belt to make the lap part snug. The lap part should be on top of the thighs or low on the hips. The shoulder part should be across the middle of the shoulder. If the should belt hits the child in the neck, you can lower the shoulder belt height adjuster in your car, or use the shoulder belt adjuster that came on the booster seat.
5. NEVER allow your child to place the shoulder belt behind their back or under their arm. This can result in very serious injury.
6. Always secure a booster with the seat belt when it is not being used. A loose booster can fly around in a sudden stop or crash and injure others in the car. Often the child will be willing to buckle in a doll, teddy bear or their imaginary friend into the booster as they are leaving the car.

So, with all that said, I encourage you to do the right thing. Buckle up, and always buckle your child or children in their child safety seats. It is the right thing to do!! If you need assistance with using your child safety seats call 1-877-THR-WELL to schedule your free appointment with one of the Texas Health Child Passenger Safety Technicians. Our next free Car Seat Check event is on June 8. Please call 1-877-THR-WELL to reserve your spot.

Julie Smith, RN, MS
Perinatal Educator
Child Passenger Safety Technician
Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford